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Online Resource Database

Most resources in the ORD are available to CDFA members only. CDFA members should login with their CDFA Account at the top of the page to access the full set of resources. Non-members are encouraged to join CDFA today to gain access to the entire database.

Search Results: Food Systems Finance
Displaying 1 - 50 of 318 Previous | Next | New Search
USDA Equity Action Plan - 2023 Update
A groundbreaking report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Equity Commission features more than 60 recommendations designed to make policies affecting farming and rural America more fair. A few key recommendations include...
2024 RI Food System Factbook
The Rhode Island Food Policy Council has released a first-of-its-kind resource providing a data-driven assessment of the status of Rhode Island's food system, incorporating the best available research and data, and presenting information on the...
CDFA Food Systems Finance Webinar Series: Exploring Bonds as the Foundational Financing Tool
During this installment of the CDFA Food Systems Finance Webinar Series, speakers explore the potential for leveraging this foundational financing tool to cultivate resilient and thriving local and regional food systems.
Finance for Resilience: An Overview of Risk Mitigation in Agricultural Systems for Farms, Lenders, and GovernmentsMembers only Login
This report, developed by the Croatan Institute in collaboration with the Meridian Institute, explores major on-farm, off-farm, and systemic risks that the agricultural industry faces and how finance can increase the resilience of those systems...
Investing in Regenerative Agriculture: Reflections from the Past DecadeMembers only Login
The SLM White Paper, Investing in Regenerative Agriculture: Reflections from the Past Decade, sets out the investment and environmental case for regenerative agriculture, while also highlighting the risks and challenges. It is an update to an...
CDFA-NASDA Foundation Socially Disadvantaged Farmers & Ranchers Access to Capital Toolkit
The CDFA-NASDA Foundation Socially Disadvantaged Farmers & Ranchers Access to Capital Toolkit is a set of best practice resources designed to provide practical assistance to communities looking to invest in socially disadvantaged farmers and...
Credit Worth and Soil Wealth: An Environmental, Social, and Governance Analysis of the Farm Credit SystemMembers only Login
Croatan Institute and Self-Help announce the release of a major new collaborative report that explores leading challenges faced by the Farm Credit System – the largest lender in the agricultural sector. This new report documents leading...
CDFA Food Systems Finance Webinar Series: Restoring Local Food Systems Through Finance
During this installment of the CDFA Food Systems Finance Webinar Series, we illustrate the Reframe, Build, Plan framework of critical success factors that are needed to expand financing and drive capital into local food systems. Speakers discuss how...
CDFA Food Systems Finance Webinar Series: Investment Tools & Food Systems
During this installment of the CDFA Food Systems Finance Webinar Series, we explore how programs at the state and federal levels can offer unique financing solutions and catalyze investment in local and regional food systems.
USDA Local Food Purchase Assistance Program Initial Impact ReportMembers only Login
This report, published by The Wallace Center, outlines the initial impact of the USDA's Local Food Purchase Assistance Program (LFPA). Through partnerships with state agencies, and territory and tribal governments, this innovative new program is...
CDFA Food Systems Finance Webinar Series: Targeted Tools & Food Systems
During this installment of the CDFA Food Systems Finance Webinar Series, we highlight unique financing structures that drive food systems investment within a geographic footprint.
CDFA's Modernizing Agricultural and Manufacturing Bonds Act Introduced in U.S. House of Representatives
CDFA's Modernizing Agricultural and Manufacturing Bonds Act was introduced as H.R. 3787 in the U.S. House of Representatives with bipartisan support by Rep. LaHood (R-IL), Kildee (D-MI), Feenstra (R-IA), and Evans (D-PA).
Funding Sources for Food-Related Businesses, Eighth EditionMembers only Login
Funding Sources for Food-Related Businesses includes sources of local, regional, and national finance opportunities that may be available to producers, distributors, food hubs, and food-related businesses. Initially informed by a list of funding...
How the Red Lake Nation in Minnesota Has Used New Markets Tax CreditsMembers only Login
Financing from the federal New Markets Tax Credit Program enabled the Red Lake Nation to expand and upgrade its main grocery and retail hub, the Red Lake Trading Post, in northern Minnesota. In addition to the deli and cafe sections pictured here,...
Territorial and Farmers Financing MechanismsMembers only Login
Forest and farm producer organizations (FFPOs) from Africa, Asia, and the Americas met with potential donors and allies in Washington D.C. to discuss advantages and opportunities to invest in and strengthen the capacities of indigenous, community,...
CDFA Food Systems Finance Webinar Series: Access to Capital Tools & Food Systems
During this installment of the CDFA Food Systems Finance Webinar Series, we explore how these tools can be used in strengthening local and regional food systems and address some of the challenges that come with financing this sector.
CDFA Announces Third Grant Award from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation
With support from a third round of funding from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation (WKKF), CDFA is continuing to advocate for Defining the Food System Asset Class by building on previous efforts to increase opportunities and leverage existing capital to...
Innovative Financing Supports Regenerative AgricultureMembers only Login
A new project will directly pay farmers for the ecosystem services they provide, such as cleaner water, healthier soils and increased biodiversity. The financing will support farmers who engage in regenerative agriculture practices
Blended Finance for Agricultural FinanceMembers only Login
This technical brief is intended to serve as a practical guide for including agricultural finance in development programs; specifically, within the agricultural sub-sector of innovative climate-smart businesses, production and business models, and...
Potlikker CapitalMembers only Login
Potlikker Capital is a farm community governed charitable integrated capital fund created to holistically serve BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) farmers in America who operate at the intersection of racial and climate justice.
Farm Financial Management ResourcesMembers only Login
Successfully accessing appropriate capital to grow or sustain your farm business takes focus and dedication. Below, you will find resources on farm financing solutions that will help you develop the skills and understand the steps needed to analyze,...
Primer on Catalyzing Agricultural FinanceMembers only Login
Expanding access to agricultural finance provides agricultural producers and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with the capital needed to increase productivity, output, and, ultimately, income.
Agricultural Lending: A How-To Guide Members only Login
Agriculture is the main source of income and employment for the 70 percent of the world's poor, who live in rural areas. Yet, only 10 percent of gross domestic produce (GDP) in low and middle income countries is generated by the agricultural sector....
Guide to the Use of Digital Financial Services in AgricultureMembers only Login
The goal of this Guide is to identify specific challenges in value chains that can be addressed by improved payments or financial services, and then to identify corresponding DFS solutions to these specific challenges, with the aim of improving the...
The Major Players In Agri-FinanceMembers only Login
Here are some of the big players in the agri-finance universe. The types of players include banks that specialize in agricultural loans, nonbank finance companies that do land and equipment loans, farmer-owned lending co-ops, REITs that own and...
Your Guide to Organic and Organic Related USDA Programs Members only Login
This Organic Resource Guide provides an overview of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs and services available to the public that either directly or indirectly support organic agriculture. Some programs have the specific...
The Farmer’s Guide to Agricultural Credit Members only Login
This guide is aimed at helping farmers get ready to ask a lender for the financing needed in new and innovative ventures. When used as part of an overall enterprise development strategy, it can help farmers and lenders achieve mutually beneficial...
Understanding Farmers’ Market Rules Members only Login
Farmers’ markets are booming in popularity around the country. They are popular with consumers seeking fresh, local food. They are popular with farmers moving toward direct marketing of their products. And they are popular with beginning farmers and...
Understanding Farmers’ Rights to Be Paid for Fruit and Vegetable CropsMembers only Login
Farmers growing and selling fresh fruits and vegetables face unique challenges in receiving prompt and fair payment. These materials discuss practical and legal steps that farmers can take to protect their right to be paid when they sell fresh...
Livestock Production Contracts: Risks For Family Farmers Members only Login
Compensation provisions in production contracts vary widely. They are often complex and difficult to understand. Contracts may have grade and quality premiums that are calculated based on the production of other growers under contract with the...
Farm Service Agency Microloan Program
This guide will introduce you to the new Microloan program offered by the Farm Service Agency (FSA) of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). 1 Under this new program, FSA will make loans of up to $35,000 to farmers for farm operating...
Your Guide to FSA Farm LoansMembers only Login
This guide was written for people who need assistance starting, expanding, or owning a farm or ranch. This guide will help you identify concerns and questions you may have before you start the loan process.
Overview: Farm Bill Programs & GrantsMembers only Login
The overview provides a quick guide to federal farm and food-related programs and grants, organized by issue and by who is eligible to apply or sign up.
More and Better Choices for Farmers: Promoting Fair Competition and Innovation in Seeds and Other Agricultural InputsMembers only Login
In the seed market, promoting fair and vibrant competition involves considerations of intellectual property (IP) law, antitrust and other fair business practices law, and public investment in our food system. These are complex and often confusing...
Announcing the Southeast Nebraska Development District Strategic Food Systems Financing Plan
CDFA and Southeast Nebraska Development District (SENDD) are excited to announce the achievement of a strategic food systems financing plan for the southeastern Nebraska region’s food system! This is the first strategic financing plan created for...
Black Farmer Fund Annual Report 2021Members only Login
Challenged by the historically discriminatory lending practices that inform the lack of diversity and equity in our current agricultural landscape, the mission of Black Farmer Fund is to nurture Black community wealth & health by investing capital...
CDFA Food Systems Finance Webinar Series: Bonds & Food Systems
During this installment of the CDFA Food Systems Finance Webinar Series, we take a deeper look at a method of financing that has been building infrastructure, industry, and agriculture for over a century and explore its applications within the food...
Announcing the King County, WA Strategic Food Systems Financing Plan
CDFA and King County, Washington are excited to announce the completion of a strategic food systems financing plan! CDFA worked with King County to establish a set of recommendations that position the county to be the leader in supporting the...
Local Policy to Promote Healthy Food Access: A Food Systems FrameworkMembers only Login
To help local policymakers, leaders, advocates, researchers, and others understand policy options for communities seeking to increase access to healthy food, the Healthy Food Policy Project (HFPP) developed a framework to show how local...
CDFA Food Systems Finance Best Practices Guidebook
Linking development finance and food systems can be a daunting undertaking for any community. Research on the current ecosystem of food systems finance has positioned CDFA to identify key strategies for the path ahead in this work. The Food Systems...
CDFA Food Systems Finance Webinar Series: Don’t Throw Away Opportunity! Creative Financing for Addressing Food-Related Waste
During this installment of the CDFA Food Systems Finance Webinar Series, we explore how innovative partnerships are leveraging creative financing approaches to reduce food-related waste along the supply chain.
Investing in Regenerative Agriculture Infrastructure Across Value ChainsMembers only Login
Regenerative farms rely on small-to-mid scale, aligned infrastructure to process, transport, and market their products. These middle infrastructure businesses help to improve farm income and bolster regional food economies while providing...
Food Innovation: Investing to Feed Our FutureMembers only Login
The Franklin Templeton Institute, a global investment management organization, released its latest insights paper, “Food innovation: Investing to feed our future,” focusing on the innovation and investments needed to feed a growing global population...
CDFA Food Systems Finance Webinar Series: Driving Investment in Regional Food Supply Chains
During this installment of the CDFA Food Systems Finance Webinar Series, speakers discuss opportunities to access capital and leverage federal funds to support new investments in regional infrastructure for food aggregation, processing, storage, and...
Debunking Risk in Food System Lending
Food and agriculture-related businesses are often perceived as too risky for traditional lending approaches, yet CDFA research tells a different story. This report, with loan-level data from over a thousand funds nationwide, demonstrates that food...
Mobilizing Money & Movements: Creative Finance for Food Systems TransformationMembers only Login
The Global Alliance for the Future of Food and Transformational Investing in Food Systems Initiative (TIFS) released a comprehensive new report that gives investors a roadmap of creative finance strategies that support entrepreneurs, farmers,...
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